If you are a traveler seeking lush volcanic mountains, white-sand beaches and a slow pace of life, try visiting the Cook Islands. Located in the South Pacific, this group of fifteen islands includes atolls, barrier reefs, tiny islets and lagoons. These features as well as the warm water with its superb visibility allow for numerous diving opportunities, particularly around the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. The reefs here are home to seventy-three types of live coral and hundreds of species of fish. Other highlights are the Mataora Wreck, the Matavera Drop-Off, and the Ngatangiia Swimthroughs. A number of dive shops offer training for beginners as well as guided tours to many popular dive spots.
The Cook Islands are home to a number of large game fish, including sailfish, marlin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna. With immediate access to deep sea fishing just out of the harbor, the Cook Islands offer many nearby game fishing opportunities. Rarotonga’s lagoon, covering over 12,500 acres, is a wonderful location to fish for cod, snapper, bonefish, and trevally. Deep sea and lagoon charter boats are available for both novice and experienced anglers.
Although the country’s only native mammals are rats and bats, the islands are home to the rare kakerori, also known as the Rarotonga flycatcher. Coconuts, bananas and grapefruit grow along the coast as do avocados and papayas. Further inland are lush trees and ferns. All of these features make hiking and cycling very popular. Two popular hiking paths are Atiu's Vai Momoiri Track and Rarotonga's Cross-Island Track. Cavers will enjoy exploring areas on Atiu, Mauke, and Mangaia.
Since the Cook Islands’ capital, Rarotonga, is only a mile or so long, it can be easily explored on foot. Be sure to visit the local shops selling pearls and native handicrafts. More examples of handicrafts can be found at the Cook Islands Library and Museum. Also on display in the museum are an old-style canoe made with planks lashed together, the island’s first printing press, and relics from a ship that wrecked on the nearby reef.
The residents of the Cook Islands hold a number of events and festivals during the year. In February, many arts and craft displays and tivaevae quilt competitions are exhibited during Cultural Festival Week. In the culminating event of Island Dance Festival Week, the male and female dancers of the year are crowned. A thirty-one kilometer marathon, the Round Raro Road Race is held in October. The year’s biggest event, however, is the ten-day Te Maeva Celebrations. Culminating on Constitution Day, the event includes dances, music, sports, and cultural and historic displays.
Getting around on the islands is very easy. Many places are small enough to explore on foot. Many islands also offer bicycle, scooter and car rentals. If you intend to drive a motor vehicle on the islands, however, you will need to purchase a local driver’s license. Hourly daytime bus service is available on the island of Rarotonga. To travel between islands, there is regular air service to most of the islands but only limited commercial shipping. There is an increasing number of high quality accommodations on the islands. A variety of options, ranging from bungalows to resorts, are usually are located on or near the beach.
